Can my family accompany me to Portugal under the D7 visa?

Your family can accompany you to Portugal under the D7 visa, allowing for family reunification during your pursuit of independent income.

Yes, your family can accompany you to Portugal under the D7 visa, but there are specific requirements and procedures to follow. Here’s a detailed guide on how to bring your family members with you:

1. Eligibility of Family Members:

  • Eligible Family Members:
    • The D7 visa allows for the inclusion of certain family members. This typically includes:
      • Your spouse or registered partner.
      • Dependent children under 18 years of age.
      • Dependent adult children who are studying or unable to support themselves due to disability.
      • In some cases, dependent parents or in-laws if they are financially reliant on you.

2. Applying for Family Visas:

  • Separate Applications:
    • Each family member must apply for a visa to join you. This means submitting separate applications for each dependent, which will be processed alongside your own visa application.
  • Documentation Required:
    • When applying for family visas, you will need to provide supporting documentation for each family member. This includes:
      • Proof of family relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificates).
      • Proof of sufficient financial resources to support your family.
      • Health insurance coverage for each family member.
      • Proof of accommodation in Portugal.

3. Financial Requirements:

  • Proof of Financial Means:
    • You must demonstrate that you have adequate financial means to support your family members without relying on public funds. This involves proving that you can cover living expenses for yourself and your dependents.

4. Accommodation:

  • Proof of Housing:
    • You need to show that you have suitable accommodation for your family. This can be in the form of a rental agreement or proof of property ownership.

5. Health Insurance:

  • Insurance Coverage:
    • Each family member will need to have health insurance coverage. This can be through private insurance or by registering with the Portuguese public health system (SNS) once you arrive in Portugal.

6. Visa Processing Time:

  • Processing Time:
    • The processing time for family visas can vary. It’s important to allow sufficient time for each application to be reviewed and approved. Ensure that all required documents are complete and accurate to avoid delays.

7. Residence Permits:

  • Residence Permits for Family Members:
    • Once in Portugal, your family members will need to apply for residence permits. This involves registering with the local immigration office (SEF) and obtaining residence cards.

8. Rights and Responsibilities:

  • Rights:
    • Your family members will have the right to live with you in Portugal and access public services, including healthcare and education.
  • Responsibilities:
    • They must comply with Portuguese laws and regulations, including any requirements related to residence and employment.

Summary:

Under the D7 visa, your family members can accompany you to Portugal, including your spouse, dependent children, and in some cases, dependent parents. Each family member must apply for their own visa and provide documentation such as proof of relationship, financial means, and health insurance. You must demonstrate adequate accommodation and financial resources to support your family. Once in Portugal, your family members will need to obtain residence permits and comply with local regulations.